C2 underbody fiberglass paint removal

[Thomas C.]

I recently removed the paint from the underbody fiberglass. I started by removing the exhaust, spare tire holder, drive shaft and half shafts in order to expose the tunnel fiberglass. After becoming frustrated with the usual thinning and stripping products I conducted some online research and found a company out of New Zealand that produced a product specifically designed to strip paint from fiberglass (https://coopersstripclub.com/). Skeptical at first, but after using it, it literally walks the paint off the fiberglass. I used shop clothes and various grades of steel wool. Finished with a healthy bath of diluted Simple Green to remove any residue. It's a time consuming job full of elbow grease but you should be able to complete in ~20 hours. Here's the before and after for anyone looking to pick up points by restoring them to the original condition.

[Leif A.]

Re: C2 underbody fiberglass paint removal

My neck and back got sore just looking at those pictures. But, seriously, a terrific job...looks fantastic!

[Thomas C.]

Re: C2 underbody fiberglass paint removal

Agreed, I'll likely have permanent nerve damage for which my wife has no sympathy :-) Next to replacing the windshield washer motor, this job was a treat. Working on stripping the paint off the drive shafts and installing period-correct U-Joints.

[Brian M.]

Re: C2 underbody fiberglass paint removal

Very nice!
Never heard of this product, so thanks for sharing.
I did mine with Citristrip. It is indeed a lot of work, but well worth it.
My body was off, which made it a bit easier

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 underbody fiberglass paint removal

I went online in an attempt to determine the active ingredients in the Copper strip. couldn't find any list of its ingredients. since methylene chloride was outlawed in the USA, I have yet to use any strippers like the old Captain Lee stripers that did contain methylene chloride. whats coppers ingredients? btw, online cost per gal about 900 bucks . mike mccagh

[Dave S.]

[Thomas C.]

Re: C2 underbody fiberglass paint removal

Main ingredient is Dichloromethane, Hydroxybenzene and Methyl Alcohol. Secondary cutting agent is Iso Paraffin.

[Mark E.]

Re: C2 underbody fiberglass paint removal

I’ve got a couple of parts with Imron on them. So far nothing has done anything. My painter says the only way to remove imron is bysanding and lots of it. I’m tempted to try this product. Any painters out there that offer any thoughts.

Bead blasting might work.

[Mark E.]

Re: C2 underbody fiberglass paint removal

Great job Thomas. I went through a similar dirty process after replacing the battery box in my '70. The gel coat (or whatever that semi-opaque grey finish is) on the fiberglass was in good condition so I just removed the grime, scuffed the surface then applied a light coat of matte clear. Looks great and preserves the original color.

I masked and worked around the suspension and driveline. Similar process for the spare tire tub.

(Thumbing this while waiting for the Christmas tamales and guests. Happy holidays!)

[Bob B.]

Re: C2 underbody fiberglass paint removal

Has anybody tried the dry ice method or stripping underside.? I have seen it used by the Porsche people and it comes out like the day it came off the assembly line, Yes. Porsche is metal and covered by cosmoline that preserves pretty well from the factory
cost is around $400 I hear and THEY do all the dirty work. Personally, I have used enough acetone to remove "rattle can restorations", my hands / skin are not a pretty site. Merry Christmas all

[Brian M.]

Re: C2 underbody fiberglass paint removal

Dave
My body was done in Imron. On the flat surfaces I used a razor blade. Pretty well just peeled off. On the curved surfaces, like the gill area, the Citristrip left overnight came off with a course 3M pad and lacquer thinner. Several treatments were required. Those were among the most difficult areas to do.

[Dave S.]

Re: C2 underbody fiberglass paint removal

Dave
My body was done in Imron. On the flat surfaces I used a razor blade. Pretty well just peeled off. On the curved surfaces, like the gill area, the Citristrip left overnight came off with a course 3M pad and lacquer thinner. Several treatments were required. Those were among the most difficult areas to do.

[Thomas C.]

Re: C2 underbody fiberglass paint removal

I'm going to be using the stripper on the spare tire tub and will send pictures. You need proper ventilation and it's an active spray and scrub in real time but it strips fast.

[Brian M.]

Re: C2 underbody fiberglass paint removal

You can use a razor blade going from top to bottom rather than side to side to get most of the surface if that makes any sense. As you point out, there are a lot of places where the stripper will be the only way.
Good luck

[Dave S.]